On construction sites, there are lots of safety hazards and potential for injury. With that in mind, safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for the job site. While anyone can get hurt at any time, construction workers are more prone to injury due to the precarious environments that they are often working in. In particular, a worker’s feet are at risk of injury from things like falling objects, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, or sharp objects lying around.
There are lots of ways that workers can injure their feet when working on the construction site which makes it so important that they have the proper footwear on. We reached out to Brent Dykstra, VP of product development & design at Wolverine about the dangers and ways to prevent foot injury on the job site.
Q&A with Dykstra
IRONPROS: What risks and dangers are common on worksites for workers and their feet?
Dykstra: One of the most prevalent risks on job sites is the potential for slips and falls. To mitigate this, we ensure that our work products are slip-resistant, adhering to the ASTM standards. This commitment to safety helps protect our consumers from common hazards they may encounter.
IRONPROS: What kind of foot injuries can happen on the jobsite?
Dykstra: Foot injuries on job sites can vary widely, but some of the most common issues include crush injuries from heavy objects. To address these concerns, we prioritize safety by ensuring that all our safety toe products meet ASTM standards. This way, workers can have peace of mind knowing their toes are protected against potential hazards.
Wolverine
IRONPROS: How can boots and foot protection prevent or lessen the number of worksite foot injuries?
Dykstra: Our approach to designing boots focuses on creating the right tread pattern for the outsole. This design allows contaminants to escape, enhancing grip on various surfaces. Additionally, we use high-quality materials that undergo rigorous testing to meet our stringent standards.
IRONPROS: How important is proper footwear for construction and other trade worksite workers?
Dykstra: Proper footwear is absolutely essential for workers in construction and other trades. It provides the necessary level of protection required for different job site environments. For instance, some sites may require safety toe and slip-resistant footwear, while others might necessitate metatarsal guards for upper forefoot protection or puncture-proof plates to guard against sharp objects. Ultimately, most job sites require category-specific footwear tailored to their unique hazards.
Wolverine
IRONPROS: How can workers find the right footwear for their jobs? Can you give recommendations for specific Wolverine boot products?
Dykstra: Choosing the right footwear is crucial and largely depends on the specific tasks workers will be performing. For individuals who are primarily standing but not moving around a lot, it's important to select boots with anti-fatigue insoles and maximum cushioning outsoles.
For example, our DuraShocks Icon or the I-90 EPX are excellent options. Conversely, for those who are frequently on the move, such as navigating ladders or shifting across the job site, we recommend models like the Raider III or Overpass. Additionally, for jobs that require all-day comfort without tracking dirt indoors, our Trade Wedge or Rancher models are ideal choices. Ultimately, selecting the right boot tailored to the job can significantly enhance comfort and safety.
IRONPROS: Please provide an overview of Wolverine and its mission.
Dykstra: We exist to instill confidence in the worker in all of us.
Honoring the spirit and tenacity of the American worker and working to build the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
